Name: Cody Joseph Ulrich
Age: 17
Height: 6’2”
Sponsors: Hobie Surfboards, Howard S. Wrigt, Nalu’s Island Grill, O’Fish’l Fins
Years Surfing: 7
Years Competing: 5
First Board: A Rich Harbour 10’6”. It was a garage sale special that was snapped in
half and my dad put back together.
Current Boards and Setups: They’re all Hobie 9’0” competitions custom shaped by
Gary Larsen with O’Fish’l tri-fin setups
Career Highlights: NSSA Middle School Champion; WSA West Coast
Champion; ISF Middle School and High School State Champion; 3rd at last year’s NSSA
Nationals
Goals For The Season: Winning Nationals
Favorite Pros: Ned Snow – Best tail riding on a longboard; Dane
Reynolds –craziest airs; Kelly Slater…
Favorite Break: Saladias
Home Break: Churches
At just 17 years old Cody Ulrich has already learned the value of one of life’s trickiest lessons. That being: Actions speak louder than words.
However, if Cody’s winning streak continues its stellar momentum, he’s going to have to get used to talking about himself.
As one of five children, surfing has played a major role in helping Cody stand out in his large family. But not just because he’s the only Ulrich who surfs; it just so happens that he’s incredibly skilled. In fact he’s one of the strongest competitive longboarders in San Clemente High School’s recent history.
His first time out was at age 10 thanks to a relentless friend who forced him to go out every day. Whoever this friend is, he certainly deserves a huge pat on the back since his efforts eventually earned Cody the Interscholastic Surfing Federation’s state championship in both middle school and high school. His additional career highlights include the NSSA junior middle school championship, the Western Surfing Association’s west coast championship, and an impressive 3rd place finish at last year’s NSSA nationals.
But those previous wins will pale should Cody make good on his goal to take nationals this season. And while the goofy-footer is in solid position to do so, he’s not taking any chances when it comes to outside distractions. Aside from his studies and the occasional marathon ping pong session, you can find him either solo training at Church’s or in the water with the team.
Surf, school, surf, repeat.
Sound routine? Cody hopes it does, as it’s been the winning combination for his “practice makes perfect” philosophy—one that’s not only secured him success in the lineup, but in the classroom as well considering his GPA is among the team’s highest.
Having already traveled to Mexico, Hawaii, and up and down California’s coast, he hopes to eventually make it to Japan and Australia. And while there’s no official word yet as to plans for making a full charge toward a professional competitive career, he is preparing to spend two years at nearby Saddleback College before transferring to a larger university.
But for now, there are only nationals to think about. And perhaps making sure SCHS’ trophy case is big enough to handle what Cody has in store.
